email: jpagano@rivervalleyschools.org
Phone: (269)756-9541 Ext. 1104
I welcome your child and you to the exciting and interesting River Valley Middle/High School. Sixth graders will experience many fascinating challenges. With 38 years of teaching experience, at the sixth grade level, I will assist students in meeting their challenges in a safe and secure, environment. If you have any questions of or child needs academic assistance please contact me through the district’s phone or web site.
This year I am teaching science, social studies, and AR reading. Science is inquiry based educational system. Students learn through hands-on education. As an example, in the “Force and Motion Unit”, students program and build various robots using the Lego Computerized – Robotic System. In addition, Students utilize hand held remotes, not pencils to complete quizzes in science. Students use several unique learning methods in social studies; Power Point and soon to be the Promethean board are just a few examples. Sixth grade continues to use Renaissance Reading which is at the upper elementary levels. I am eager to announce the addition of Accelerated Math to our curriculum. I am looking forward to meeting you and having educating your son/daughter. Thank you…
Educationally,
Mr. Pagano
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Science
River Valley’s Science Curriculum Mission is to provide learning opportunities for students to achieve scientific literacy.
Three texts are used by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston…
a.) Forces, Motion and Energy text - topics…
- Matter and Motion
- Forces in Motion
b.)Inside the Restless Earth – topic…
1,) Minerals and the Earth’s Crust
2.) Rocks – Mineral Mixtures
3.) Plate tectonics
4.) Earthquakes
5.) Volcanoes
c.) Environmental Science…
1.) Interaction of Living Things
2.) Cycles of Nature
3.) Earth’s Ecosystems
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Social Studies
Sixth grade’s social studies curriculum provides students with the understanding of
world geography concepts, characteristics of the United States, Canada, and Latin America
Text used is the Exploring our World, People, and Cultures…
Topics Reviewed…
- Using Geography Skills
- Earth’s Physical Geography
- Earth’s Human and Cultural Geography
- Physical Geography of the United States and Canada
- History and cultures of the United States and Canada
- The United Stated and Canada Today
- Physical Geography of Latin America
- History of Latin America
- Latin America Today
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Science & Social Studies Evaluation Assessment
A student's evaluation is based on four components; behavior, class/homework assignments, quizzes and tests.
Quality completed Daily Assignments are valued at 15 percent of a student's overall grade. An INCOMPLETE assignment stamp is placed in a student's assignment log when a class/homework assignment has not been completely finished. Random assignments will evaluate as a quiz. Students have the amount of days absent to complete a graded assignment; 2 days absent, 2 days for make-up. Instructor will evaluate completion of an assignment based upon difficulty and individual abilities.
Quality Behavior is valued at 20 percent of a student's overall grade. Standards are set in accordance with River Valley's Middle/High School handbook policies, the Elementary Ten Sigma Assessments, and classroom guidelines. A Sad Face stamp is placed in the assignment log if a violation occurs. Respect and Kindness is highly valued.
Quality completed Quiz is valued at 40 percent of a student's overall grade. Students will receive weekly quizzes to continuously evaluate their academic progress in science and social studies. Weekly quizzes can be announced or unannounced (class/homework).
Quality completed Test is valued at 25 percent of a student's overall grade.
Students may make arrangements several days prior to a quiz/test for additional academic assistance or extra
completion time (after school with parent written permission). Quality quiz/test scores can successfully be attained by continuous completion of daily class/homework. Additionally, short daily reviews (10-15 minutes) of lesson concepts and ideas make learning easier and more profitable. I hope you enjoy the importance of learning science and social studies. If you have any questions or concerns with regard to your child, please contact me.
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Assignment Log & Stamp Identification Icons
The assignment log is an integral part of your daughter's/son's sixth grade education. The assignment log assists a student in organizing and remembering daily class/homework assignments, quiz/test preparations, and upcoming projects. The assignment log allows you to continuously track and evaluate your child's academic progress, completion of class/homework, quiz/test preparation times, and classroom etiquette. Please review the log, with your child, several times during the week. Please confirm weekly, with your signature, that you have reviewed the contents of the log with child. Additionally, weekly check your child's academic progress on River Valley's web site. If you need assistance, contact your child's middle school counselor. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I believe education is a partnership between a student, the parents and the teacher.
Stamp Identification Icons:
Prompt and Prepared
Sad Face  stamp on the right side or an Assignment Incomplete stamp by subject infraction occurs if a class/homework assignment has been evaluated as not properly finished. One stamp per infraction.
Behavior (Etiquette)
Sad Facestamp on the left side of assignment log page by subject infraction occurred. If inappropriate behavior continues a second stamp will be issued with an after school detention form sent home or a snap suspension, also with parent notification.
Forgot Assignment Log
Upon entering morning academic class, a student will obtain a Daily Assignment Form from his/her teacher. Student will write all subject assignments on issued form. Student will paste form on the appropriate date in his/her log. A Sad Face stamp will be issued. If behavior unreasonably continues parents will be notified. If log is lost a $3.00 fee will be needed to purchase another. Sixth grade funds are very limited.
Assignment Log Review
Homeroom teachers will check assignment logs on Mondays for parent review confirmation signature. If student does not have log parent authorized signature by Wednesday of that week, student will receive an after school detention on Thursday.
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